Roque evades questions on hospitalization despite bed shortage


Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque refused to answer questions on how he was able to immediately get confined at a hospital despite the lack of beds for coronavirus (COVID-19) patients, saying such questions were "un-Christian."

(MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN)

Roque made the statement after he confirmed reports that he was confined on Friday evening after testing positive for COVID-19 for the second time this year.

In his press briefing on Monday, Roque responded to criticisms about him getting admitted to a hospital fast while many others had to line up to get a slot and even died while waiting.

"I think that's an un-Christian question," he said.

He explained that he was hospitalized after his oxygen level dropped.

"I started my isolation at home but my oxygen level fell to 90," he said.

The Palace official, however, assured the public that everyone in need of medical assistance will be provided with one.

"Ang aking assurance lang, sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Duterte, lahat ng merong pangangailangang medikal ay mabibigyan po ng tulong (My assurance is under the Duterte administration, everyone in need of medical assistance will receive help)," Roque said.

This is Roque's second bout against COVID-19. He first got the disease on March 15 after his many hospital visits for the rollout of coronavirus vaccines.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Roque said that he was already feeling better and that he came to the hospital at the right time but will not get discharged just yet.

"I am better after only one vial of Remdesivir and steroids. I came in at the right time since pneumonia was caught early on," he said.

"Doctors won't discharge me, though, until four more vials of Remdesivir which means I will be confined until Thursday," he added.

The Palace official said he was well enough to conduct his regular press briefings and added that he will be transferring to a temporary treatment and monitoring facility (TTMF) after his stay at the PGH.

He thanked those who were praying for his recovery.